A total of 22 non government organisations in 21 Pacific Islands, including those in New Zealand and Australia, will benefit from the $4.5m, from New Zealand Aid, and $300,000, from AusAid, given to the Pacific Island Association of Non Government Organisations for the next two years.

PIANGO said, as part of their mandate, they will have to see that their members get financial assistance.

They say this money will be used by the organisation to ensure that there is better coordination between these NGOs through the training of representatives to ensure there is better communication between them, their governments and their international partners.

Speaking to Fijivillage, program director Bakavebo Tamaroa said the money will also be used to strengthen the work of these NGOs according to their mandate